Farm Safety Action Plan 2016-2018 - Health and Safety Authority
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Farm Safety Action Plan
2016-2018
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Our Vision: healthy, safe and productive lives
Table of Contents Foreword from Chairperson........................................................................................................... 02 Introduction........................................................................................................................................ 03 Review of health and safety in agriculture.................................................................................... 03 Review of Farm Safety Action Plan (2013–2015)........................................................................ 06 Farm Safety Action Plan Goals (2016–2018)............................................................................... 09 Actions to meet goals for Farm Safety Action Plan (2016–2018)........................................... 10 APPENDIX 1 – Terms of reference of Farm Safety Partnership............................................. 21 APPENDIX 2 – Membership of Farm Safety Partnership......................................................... 22 APPENDIX 3 – Working groups..................................................................................................... 23 Published in 2016 by the Health and Safety Authority, The Metropolitan Building, James Joyce Street, Dublin 1.
Foreword from Chairperson will be a key part of
achieving a sustained
The agriculture sector, which is one of the most reduction in the rate
hazardous sectors globally, continues to have of these fatal and
a poor occupational safety and health record. serious injuries in the
Each year fatalities in the sector account for sector.
between 30% and 50% of all workplace deaths,
while farms make up just 6% of workplaces. Farm safety is not
Approximately 2,500 non-fatal incidents just an Irish issue; it
causing injury take place annually on Irish farms. is also a European issue. While there is some
(Teagasc, National Farm Survey, 2011). cooperation on the island of Ireland and in the
Nordic region, there is little at a European level.
Farm injuries and ill health cause much suffering A greater sharing of information, particularly
to farm families and can also lead to significant in researching best approaches, should be
farm business losses. Research has shown that supported.
farm family members suffer over 90% of injuries
on farms. Most injuries actually occur in the The Farm Safety Partnership is now introducing
farmyard and most are predictable and indeed this new three-year plan. The overall objective
preventable. of the plan is to reduce the level of fatalities,
ill health and serious injuries in the agriculture
The Farm Safety Partnership Advisory sector.
Committee, an advisory committee to the
Board of the Health and Safety Authority, has The Farm Safety Partnership has set itself six
made considerable progress in raising awareness goals, to be achieved between 2016 and 2018.
of farm safety. There is also recognition that Actions to achieve these goals are set out in
safety standards across the sector show signs this plan.
of improvement. However, progress in reducing
the overall rate of fatal and serious injuries on
farms has been slow. Achieving a cultural change Prof James Phelan, Chairperson
2 Farm Safety Action Plan (2016-2018)
Introduction Review of health and safety in
The Farm Safety Action Plan (2013–2015)
agriculture
was developed by the Farm Safety Partnership Fatal accidents
Advisory Committee, an advisory committee
The Census of Agriculture 2010 estimated
of the Board of the Health and Safety Authority,
there were 139,829 active farms in Ireland in
and sets out the goals and associated actions in
2010. (Source: CSO – Census of Agriculture
relation to improving occupational safety and
2010).
health in agriculture. The new Plan (2016–2018)
builds on the achievements and actions of the In total it is estimated that approximately
previous plans. 500,000 persons are exposed to health and
safety risks on Irish farms.
The agricultural sector has entered a positive
expansion phase and provides an important Fatal accidents in agriculture and forestry
contribution to Ireland’s economy. However, sectors in the last five years:
this sector faces significant challenges in the
2011 22
achievement of the necessary improvements
in occupational safety and health standards. 2012 21
Tractors and machinery and incidents involving
livestock are the areas of greatest concern and 2013 16
will be a central focus in this new plan. 2014 30
2015 19
The most recent figures available show that the
rate of fatalities for all sectors of our economy
is 2.5 per 100,000. The rate for construction
is 9 per 100,000, while the rate for agriculture
is 13.0 per 100,000. The average rate of farm
fatalities is said to be 12.0 per 100,000 in the
EU; however, this is based on quite limited data.
The rate is up to 30.0 per 100,000 in some
parts of the USA.
Farm Safety Action Plan (2016-2018) 3
20
15
10
5
0
The major causes of farm deaths have remained Looking at the months of the year and accident
1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
consistent for many years. frequency, June and July are the two that stand
out with the most accidents. Total
Figure 1 outlines the major causes of farm
deaths in the latest 10-year period (2006– Age is a major contributory factorChildren
in farm
Older Farmers
2015). accidents in Ireland (both fatal and non-fatal),
with the average age of an IrishAged 17-64
farmer now
Figure 1: Fatalstanding at 57
Accident years.
Trends
Electrocution, Others, 4,2%
3, 2% Examination of fatal accidents
Timber-related, on farms over the more
13, 7%
recent 5-year period (2008–
%
Falling objects, 2014) showed that fatalities
collapses, 14, 7% Tractors, farm
vehicles, 57,29%
to farmers in the 45–64 age
bracket to be much more
Falls from height,
20, 10% pronounced than the long-
term average from the longer
Drowning/gas, period of 1993–2014 (See
Machinery,
20, 10%
37, 19% Figure 2 below).
Livestock
26, 14%
Total: 194
Figure 1: Causes of farm deaths in the 10-year
period (2006–2015) 10.0%
(Source: Health and Safety Authority) 8.0%
6.0%
Deaths in agriculture, unlike many other sectors,
4.0%
generally involve either the farmer or family
members, and this includes children and elderly
2.0%
persons.
0.0%
A recent analysis of the fatal accidents from 0-14 15-29 30-44 45-64 65+yrs
yrs yrs yrs yrs yrs
1993 to 2014 found that the majority of fatal
accidents occurred between 9am and 6pm 1993 -2014 average 2008-2014 average
with the majority occurring between 11am
and 12pm. Figure 2: Average annual fatality rate
Another notable pattern is the day of the week. (1993-2014 and 2008-2014)
Most accidents happen on a Friday, followed by (Source: Teagasc, 2015)
Saturday and Sunday.
4 Farm Safety Action Plan (2016-2018)
Timber-related,
13, 7%
Falling objects,
collapses, 14, 7%
Falls from height,
20, 10%
Injury and illness in agriculture Occupational ill health Drowning/gas,
20, 10%
Statistics relating to injury and illness are There are many risks to health in farming.
Livestock
difficult to compile. This is due to the gross Farming as an occupation predisposes 26,people
14%
under-reporting of farm accidents and injuries to health problems. The principal causes of ill
by farmers, despite the legal obligation to do health in farming are musculoskeletal conditions,
so. The 2011 National Farm Survey indicated skin and respiratory diseases and hearing
that farm injuries have increased by 35%, with damage from noise exposure. Lifestyle diseases
2,459 injuries per 100,000 farms reported for such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes type
the year 2010 compared to the previous survey 2 and hypertension are common in today’s
estimate of 1,815 per 100,000 for 2006. society. Recent Irish research found that farmers
are disproportionately affected by lifestyle
As indicated in Figure 3 below, farms with
diseases.
‘dairying’ (11%), ‘dairying and other livestock’
(12.9%) and ‘sheep’ (10.9%) all reported higher The Centre of Men’s Health, at the Institute
rates of injury than ‘sucklers’ (6.1%), ‘drystock’ of Technology Carlow and the Irish Heart
(6.1%) and ‘tillage’ farms (6.7%). Foundation funded a Master’s research assessing
the effectiveness of a health promotion initiative
targeted at Irish farmers.
14
The findings of the research point to a need for
12
an increased focus on local follow-up supports
which prompt farmers to make more effective
% injury rate
10
8 use of health services and enable them to make
6 changes to lifestyle and health behaviours.
4
2
0
Dairy Dairy & Sheep Suckler Drystock Tillage
other
livestock
Figure 3: Injury rate for various enterprises
(Teagasc, National Farm Survey, 2011)
Farm Safety Action Plan (2016-2018) 5
Review of Farm Safety Action fatal farm accident, has contributed greatly to
the importance attributed to farm safety.
Plan 2013–2015
• FBD Insurance have set up a ‘Champions
The Farm Safety Partnership has met 14 times for Change’ campaign aimed at creating a
over a three year period since 2013. nationwide community of interest, discussion
The Farm Safety Action Plan 2013–2015 set and support around the farm safety issue
out five goals under which a total of 40 actions using digital technology.
were listed. On review of these, 37 of the • The IFA launched a ’Save Lives’ campaign to
actions have achieved satisfactory outcomes. encourage farmers to change their working
Work on the three remaining actions has practices, to be more responsive to the
commenced, and completion of these will potential dangers and to take preventative
carry over to the new Farm Safety Action Plan action to reduce the risks.
2016–2018.
• The Department of Agriculture, Food and
Some of the key actions and achievements have Marine (DAFM) has incorporated mandatory
included: farm safety training as a condition of TAMSII
• The level of awareness of farm safety grant schemes. This is a most welcome
amongst farmers and the farming community development in the support available to
has undergone a significant increase in the farmers to enable improvements to be made
last three years. This has been achieved to their safety facilities.
through focused campaigns in the media and • In another significant development, the
amongst the farming community. Department of Agriculture, Food and
• Many farming organisations have undertaken the Marine has also made dealing with
farm safety awareness initiatives without occupational health and safety a mandatory
need for HSA support. In particular element in all new knowledge transfer
the foundation of the Embrace FARM groups. Facilitators of these groups will be
organisation, which gives support to provided with support to deliver practical
bereaved members of families following a occupational safety and health knowledge.
6 Farm Safety Action Plan (2016-2018)
• The level of farm safety visits of farms • The Farm Safety Partnership has been
carried out by inspectors of the Health and acknowledged for providing farm safety
Safety Authority has doubled to 2,300 per exhibits and bringing the farm safety
annum, in comparison with previous farm message to major agricultural shows. Exhibits
safety action plans. Furthermore, the benefits were provided at the Tullamore Show, the
of such farm safety visits (inspections) have Moorepark dairy event, the Athenry sheep
been widely acknowledged by farmers, farm event and the farm machinery show. A
organisations and also by ESRI research. major exhibit was provided annually at the
The farm safety visits (inspections) have National Ploughing Championships, which
indicated an increased level of compliance, incorporated farm safety demonstrations
with a good response to corrective actions that attracted huge interest.
highlighted during the visit. A two-weekly
• Online resources for farm safety have been
farm safety campaign was held each April
increased. The online COP/risk assessment
using a combination of farm safety visits
facility has been updated and while the
(inspections) and media to monitor and
number of farmers using the online facility
highlight the current state of farm safety
has increased, more utilisation is required.
compliance.
The provision of eLearning courses on
• The amount of information resources on farm safety through the HSA’s eLearning
farm safety has been increased substantially. portal www.hsalearning.ie is a significant
New DVDs, videos and survivor stories have development, especially for the engagement
been published. Additional guidance and of children in farm safety and the online
information sheets have been published and slurry-handling course.
made available on websites of the HSA and
• Initiatives have been made by several FSPAC
members of the Farm Safety Partnership.
member organisations to engage children
• A collection of all farm safety information and young persons in farm safety awareness,
published by the HSA, including farm including applications through social media
safety videos, have been compiled into a and multimedia competitions for post-
16Gb USB memory stick titled ‘Your Key primary schools.
to Farm Safety’. The initiative was jointly
• The partners have supported the extensive
sponsored by DAFM and HSA and will
provision of farm safety awareness sessions
enable access to these resources offline
in the agricultural colleges.
and without necessity for a connection to
the internet. These memory sticks will be • A national farm safety conference has been
made available predominately to facilitators held annually to highlight current progress
of discussion groups/knowledge transfer and the challenges in the farm safety arena.
groups, agricultural advisors, trainers and
• Research has been carried out on the
agricultural colleges, with a limited amount
psycho-social factors influencing farmers risk-
available to Farm Safety Partnership Advisory
taking behaviour, along with musculoskeletal
Committee FSPAC member organisations.
disorders amongst farmers. Research work
Farm Safety Action Plan (2016-2018) 7
on technological solutions, including the related organisations at farm safety meetings
use of smart technologies to prevent farm and events. Free health checks have
accidents, is underway. been made available at many agricultural
shows. Information on mental health and
• The risks associated with forestry work have
stress matters has also been supported.
been highlighted at forestry events. New
A publication, Stay Fit for Farming, which
guidance on farm forestry and chainsaw
addressed many farmers’ health issues, was
competency was produced.
published.
• A special emphasis has been placed on the
• A few actions which have not been
risks to children and elderly on the farm.
completed include work with farm
Farm safety information resources have been
machinery manufacturers to improve design
circulated to all primary schools, in particular
and safety features, the development of
the Agri Aware ‘Dig In’ pack and the Stay
DVDs on the five most common farming
Safe on the Farm with Jessy book. The ‘Keep
health problems and for high-risk activities
Safe on the Farm’ classroom e-learning
on farms. These actions will be brought
resource for primary schools, available
forward for completion early in the new
at www.hsalearning.ie is being strongly
plan.
promoted by the HSA. Agri Aware also ran
numerous farm safety competitions. Farm A significant development over the period
safety visits have been made to a number of of the plan was the extent of farm safety
rural schools by IFA representatives. and health-related projects and initiatives
undertaken within the sector without
• Farmers’ health issues have been highlighted
involvement of the Health and Safety Authority.
through engagement of external health-
8 Farm Safety Action Plan (2016-2018)Farm Safety Action Plan Goals (2016–2018)
The following are the six goals for the Farm
Safety Action Plan (2016–2018):
1. To achieve cultural behavioural change in 4. To establish initiatives to reduce the level of
health and safety of persons working in death and injuries arising from working with
the agricultural sector through research, livestock.
education and training.
5. To ensure high standards of health and
2. To develop programmes that will foster safety are adopted in forestry and timber
innovative approaches and deliver work on farms.
engineering solutions to reduce the risks to
6. To implement programmes for the
persons working in agriculture.
protection of health and wellbeing of
3. To reduce the level of death and injury persons, including vulnerable groups,
arising from tractor and machinery use. working in agriculture.
Farm Safety Action Plan (2016-2018) 9Actions to meet goals for the Farm Safety Action Plan (2016–2018)
Actions to meet goals for the Farm Safety Action Plan
(2016–2018)
The following are the series of actions to achieve the goals of the action plan.
1. To achieve cultural behavioural change in health and safety of persons
working in the agricultural sector through research, education and
training.
(Working group leaders FBD/ Teagasc)
Objective Actions
1.1 Undertake Appointment of new FBD farm safety lecturer in University
behavioural-based College Dublin.
research to tackle
Annual farm safety attitude and behaviour-based survey of Irish
high-risk activities in
farmers to be carried out.
agriculture.
Identify, initiate, drive and support research such as Masters or
PhD studies in critical areas.
Include farm safety element in the National Farm Survey 2016
(Teagasc).
ESRI to carry out further research using the GL Noble Denton
report on Determining Underlying Psycho-social Factors
Influencing Farmers’ Risk-related Behaviours (Both Positively and
Negatively) in the Republic of Ireland.
Identify, initiate, drive and support research for technological
solutions with Telecommunications Software & Systems Group
(TSSG), WIT and other institutions.
Carry out research on information gathered from HSA farm
safety visits (inspections) and fatal accident investigations.
1.2 Ensure focused Review, update and promote the farm safety COP as the
training and education foundation document for farm health and safety.
for health and safety
Continue to promote and provide training on the farm safety
on farms is made
risk assessment.
available.
10 Farm Safety Action Plan (2016-2018)Actions to meet goals for the Farm Safety Action Plan (2016–2018)
Objective Actions
Promote the use of contracting and employing additional labour
units to manage periods of high workload.
Engagement with discussion group/knowledge transfer model to
address farm safety.
Promote Farmer to Farmer mentoring/support systems.
Promote the safety elements of pesticide training and sprayer
testing.
Maintain and update farm safety module delivered as part of all
Green Cert agricultural courses.
Maintain and further develop the farm safety module delivered
at UCD.
‘Champions for Change’ farm safety seminars to be delivered to
all agricultural colleges annually.
Drive and support the inclusion of health and safety as a
component of the Leaving Certificate Agricultural Science
syllabus.
Influence future EU policy to include health and safety training
as a requirement of future EU-funded schemes.
Continue to develop and promote online courses on farm
safety for use in primary and post-primary education and for
inclusion in national farm safety training programmes on the
Authority’s e-learning portal www.hsalearning.ie.
Work with Embrace FARM, GAA and other relevant
organisations to promote health and safety on farms.
1.3 Ensure focused media Initiate, drive and support farm safety media campaigns
campaigns in relation in national and local media, including an all-island focused
to farm safety risks campaign.
and behaviours are
Promote and encourage good farm safety behaviours,
undertaken.
particularly around tractors and machinery, livestock, slurry, and
work at height.
Farm Safety Action Plan (2016-2018) 11Actions to meet goals for the Farm Safety Action Plan (2016–2018)
Objective Actions
Expand communication and participation of farmers in the
FBD ‘Champions for Change’ campaign (CFC), incorporating,
for example, the CFC microsite, CFC partners and CFC
Champions.
Increased farm safety messaging on good practices through farm
media.
1.4 Adopt regular Devise and transmit monthly farm safety and health themes,
messaging on farm through texts, email, and social media by FSP member
safety risks through organisations.
social media, email
Organise and run an annual national farm safety conference
and texting.
on critical issues such as tractors and machinery, livestock and
working at height.
Provide farm safety exhibits at major national agricultural events.
1.5 Support farm safety Encourage farmers to avail and comply with the farm safety
conferences and elements of the TAMS schemes.
seminars.
Support Bord Bia quality schemes in ensuring improved
Support legislative and occupational health and safety standards.
agricultural schemes
Influence and support HSA compliance visits.
for farm safety
compliance. Develop a simplified guide/leaflet to the Act and Regulations/
COP showing the legislation that applies to farmers.
12 Farm Safety Action Plan (2016-2018)Actions to meet goals for the Farm Safety Action Plan (2016–2018)
2. To develop programmes that will foster innovative approaches and
deliver engineering solutions to reduce the risks to persons working in
agriculture.
(Working group leaders DAFM/HSA)
Objective Actions
2.1 Develop guidance Publish guidance on;
on farm buildings, • Slurry storage design and management
incorporating good • Farmyard design
design for health and • Farm building design
safety.
2.2 Develop guidance Publish guidance on the maintenance of farm buildings and
on health and safety structures.
benefits of good
Publish an information sheet on inspection and maintenance of
maintenance of
slatted units.
farm buildings and
structures. Publish an information sheet on safety in roofwork in agriculture.
2.3 Develop guidance Publish guidance on the selection and management of
on selection of contractors.
contractors for work
on the farm and
building works.
2.4 Develop and support Drive programmes to achieve annual awards for safety
programmes for safety innovations.
innovations.
2.5 Develop a suite of Publish details of approved farm safety warning signs.
approved warning
signs for farms.
Farm Safety Action Plan (2016-2018) 13Actions to meet goals for the Farm Safety Action Plan (2016–2018)
3. To reduce the level of death and injury arising from tractor and
machinery use.
(Working group leaders FRS/PAC)
Objective Actions
3.1 Additional safety Work with tractor /machinery manufacturers in ensuring that
controls fitted on all tractors/machinery continue to be fitted with safety devices to
new tractors/self- assist in safe operation.
propelled equipment.
Further the application of technology in the safe use of
machinery and attachments, including for instance seat belts,
seat sensors, PTO stop buttons, raised hydraulic sensors/ alarms,
hands-free devices.
3.2 Promote safety Work with the farming community to ensure that training is
training for all tractor available for tractor and machinery operators.
drivers / machinery
Ensure training is formal, practical and assisted by brochures and
operators.
DVD as necessary.
Promote existing guidance on the safe use of tractors and
machinery on farms.
3.3 Survey of tractor Finalise and analyse the survey on tractors, machinery and farm
and machinery safety equipment so that improvements are identified and actions
issues. taken.
3.4 Prioritise safe Use all forms of media to promote the safe use of tractors and
operation of tractors machinery and the importance of applying best practice at all
and machinery times, especially during busy periods.
through all media
Use the major agricultural shows and events, wherever possible,
outlets.
to demonstrate safe and best practices.
Work with machinery groups to transmit the message of critical
safety.
14 Farm Safety Action Plan (2016-2018)Actions to meet goals for the Farm Safety Action Plan (2016–2018)
Objective Actions
Use text messages, newspaper articles, radio interviews etc.
to reinforce that farmers must always take care in using safe
practices when operating tractors and machinery.
3.5 Make available Produce a source of tractor and machinery safety information
relevant safety material for farmers/tractor and machinery operators so they
resource material on can easily access, view or read up on what is required to keep
tractor and machine themselves and others safe while operating this equipment.
safety to operators.
Develop pop-up farm safety messages and reminders on
websites when buyers are searching for tractors and machinery.
3.6 Ensure all tractors Promote compliance with the new revised Standards for
and machinery are Agricultural Vehicles (RSA, effective 1st January 2016).
compliant with
Consider the establishment of a mandatory safety test system
relevant legislation.
for tractors.
Implement the requirements of the Child Safety Code of
Practice, particularly with regard to the prohibition on carrying
children under 7 years of age on tractors and farm machinery.
Farm Safety Action Plan (2016-2018) 15Actions to meet goals for the Farm Safety Action Plan (2016–2018)
4. To establish initiatives to reduce the level of death and injuries arising
from working with livestock.
(Working group leaders Veterinary Ireland/FRS)
Objective Actions
4.1 Highlight the dangers Produce advisory leaflets covering the following areas:
of working with
• Safe handling of livestock
livestock.
• Reading the danger signals of livestock
• A guide for visitors to farms, particularly their
interactions with livestock
• Warning signs
Promote safe systems of work and safe handling facilities for
bulls and cows at calving.
Promote the application of state-of-the-art livestock handling
facilities at marts and lairages.
Highlight the need for adequate livestock-handling facilities at
out-farms, including rented lands.
4.2 Create greater Encourage the development of safety training courses for
competence of livestock handling.
livestock handlers.
Promote the dissemination of the DVD on livestock safety.
Develop an information sheet specific to the risks of working
with cows at calving.
4.3 Highlight the Promote the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) docility
importance of docility scoring system.
in livestock.
Promote and provide training on the star rating system as it
relates to safe working with animals.
Promote and provide training in the man-animal relationship
(MAR) as it relates to safe working with animals.
16 Farm Safety Action Plan (2016-2018)Actions to meet goals for the Farm Safety Action Plan (2016–2018)
5. To ensure high standards of health and safety are adopted in forestry
and timber work on farms.
(Working group leaders Coillte/HSA)
Objective Actions
5.1 Highlight the role Develop and deliver initiatives that will increase safety
of the landowner in awareness of farmers and landowners who own forests
farming forestry. covering the following topics:
• Preparing written risk assessments
• Selecting suitable equipment for the job
• Protecting public safety and health
• Setting out safe working procedures
• Ensuring operators are trained and competent
• Supervising and monitoring the work
• Ensuring safe loading and transport
5.2 Highlight particular Increase awareness amongst forestry employers and workers of
risks associated the following risks areas:
with forestry work
• Exclusion zones
involving harvesters,
forwarders and timber • Operator training
haulage. • Certification of machinery
• Requirements for checklists
• Loading and unloading
5.3 Increase awareness Publish guidance on the obligations of the forestry works
of health and manager in regard to arrangements for the selection and
competence in monitoring of good health and safety standards of forestry
regards to health contractors.
and safety obligations
for the selection of
forestry contractors.
Farm Safety Action Plan (2016-2018) 17Actions to meet goals for the Farm Safety Action Plan (2016–2018)
Objective Actions
5.4 Increased health and Publish specific guidance covering the following aspects:
safety awareness and
• Basic chainsaw maintenance
training for chainsaw
operators. • Basic chainsaw felling and manual takedown
• Chainsaw snedding
• Chainsaw cross-cutting and manual stacking
• Chainsaw felling of large trees
Promote and provide recognised training in safe use of
chainsaws.
5.5 Highlight the risks Develop specific guidance on risks associated with electricity
to forestry workers during tree-felling operations, incorporating the duties of the
associated with landowner, forestry works manager and forestry contractor.
electricity during
tree-felling.
Raise awareness of
18 Farm Safety Action Plan (2016-2018)Actions to meet goals for the Farm Safety Action Plan (2016–2018)
6. To implement programmes for the protection of health and wellbeing
of persons, including vulnerable groups, working in agriculture.
(Working group leaders IFA/UCD)
Objective Actions
6.1 Raise awareness of Include farmer health issues in all major national seminars and
health issues currently events.
affecting persons
Reprint Fit for Farming, a health booklet for Irish farmers.
working in agriculture.
Encourage first aid training and the development of an
emergency plan for farmers.
6.2 Monitor health status Promote the provision of ‘health checks’ to visitors to the farm
of those working in safety stand at agricultural events.
the sector.
Take action to establish the collection of data on accidents and
ill health in agriculture within the health service.
6.3 Improve farmer Sponsor further research in the area of occupational health in
knowledge on health. agriculture.
Support research on farmers’ health in the following areas:
musculoskeletal disorders and noise-induced hearing loss.
Develop a DVD identifying the five most common farming
health problems and their prevention.
6.4 Promote stress Produce a farmer self-assessment stress inventory and guidance
management among on stress management.
farmers.
Farm Safety Action Plan (2016-2018) 19Actions to meet goals for the Farm Safety Action Plan (2016–2018)
Objective Actions
6.5 Promote health and Encourage the provision of safe play areas for children on farms.
safety among children
Develop, launch and distribute a DVD to deal with safety of
and young adults.
children on farms.
Develop an online resource that coordinates and promotes
safety information and projects undertaken by children and
young adults on farm safety.
Run national farm safety competitions for primary and
secondary schools.
Visit primary and secondary schools to give safety talks and
increase awareness of safe farming practices.
Provide support to children and young adults developing farm
safety projects.
Develop media campaign, including social media, focusing on
safety for children
Encourage and support rural schools to use the www.
hsalearning.ie tool and the Agri-Aware ‘Dig In’ pack.
Encourage the continued take-up of tractor skills training by
young persons.
6.6 Develop campaign to Target marts and other relevant agricultural events to promote
increase awareness of health and safety to older farmers.
the health and safety
Develop information sheets or guides to highlight the major risk
risks for older farmers.
factor for older farmers.
Encourage farm families and local communities to address the
safety of older family members on the farm.
20 Farm Safety Action Plan (2016-2018)APPENDIX 1
Terms of reference of Farm Safety Partnership
1. To identify and prioritise the key issues 5. To develop a national action programme,
related to improving safety on Irish farms. co-ordinating the actions of the
representative organisations and assigning
2. To identify the actions necessary to deal with tasks.
these issues.
6. To publicise, effect and monitor the
3. To establish working groups/sub-committees programme.
to assist in the achievement of the agreed
goals. 7. To carry out appropriate research and liaise
with relevant agricultural organisations.
4. To set agreed targets for a reduction in
injuries and an improvement in compliance 8. To report regularly and formally, at least
with occupational safety and health in the annually, to the Board of the Authority.
sector.
Farm Safety Action Plan (2016-2018) 21APPENDIX 2
Membership of Farm Safety Partnership
Chairperson - Maura Canning
Prof James Phelan, Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA)
HSA Board Member
- Kiernan Thompson
Vice Chairperson Coillte
Ciarán Roche
- Eddie Punch
FBD Insurance
Irish Cattle and Sheep Association (ICSA)
Secretary
- Dr Noel Richardson
Maura Kavanagh
Carlow Institute of Technology (CIT)
Health and Safety Authority (HSA)
- Dr Aoife Osborne
- Jim Dockery
University College Dublin (UCD)
Farm Relief Services Network (FRS)
- Gerard Horgan
- Jacqueline Walsh
IOSH Rural Industries Section
Macra na Feirme (MNF)
- Pat Kirwan
- Dr John McNamara
Veterinary Ireland (VI)
Teagasc
- Ray Finn
- Dr Robert Leonard
Veterinary Council of Ireland (VCI)
Department of Agriculture, Food and the
Marine (DAFM) - Maria Daly
Agri Aware
- Tom Murphy
Professional Agricultural Contractors of - Pat Griffin
Ireland (PAC) (HSA)
- Vincent Nally - John Kennedy
Irish Rural Link (IRL) (HSA)
- Willie O’Donoghue
Irish Creamery Milk
Suppliers Association (ICMSA)
22 Farm Safety Action Plan (2016-2018)APPENDIX 3
Working groups
Leaders
GOAL 1 GOAL 4
To achieve cultural behavioural change in To establish initiatives to reduce the level
health and safety of persons working in of injuries arising from livestock.
the agricultural sector through research,
education and training. Pat Kirwan - VI
Jim Dockery - FRS
Ciaran Roche - FBD
Dr John McNamara -Teagasc GOAL 5
GOAL 2 To ensure high standards of health and
safety are adopted in forestry and timber
To develop programmes that will foster work on farms.
innovative approaches and deliver
engineering solutions to reduce the risks Kieran Thompson - Coillte
to persons working in agriculture. John Kennedy - HSA
Dr Robert Leonard - DAFM
GOAL 6
Pat Griffin - HSA
To implement programmes for the
GOAL 3 protection of health and wellbeing of
persons, including vulnerable groups,
To reduce the level of death and injury working in agriculture.
arising from tractor and machinery use.
Maura Canning - IFA
Jim Dockery - FRS Dr Aoife Osborne - UCD
Tom Murphy - PAC
Farm Safety Action Plan (2016-2018) 23Notes 24 Farm Safety Action Plan (2016-2018)
healthy,
safe and
productive
lives
Health and Safety
Authority
ISBN: 978-1-84496-224-2 HSA0445You can also read
